Gerald “Jerry” Gronewold

Gerald “Jerry” Valentine Ullrich Gronewold, 93, of Lewisville passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024, at his home. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Salem Lutheran Church-Madelia and will continue on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church before the service begins at 10:30 a.m.

The clergy will be the Rev. Greg Volbrecht. Interment will be at the Antrim Public Cemetery in Lewisville. Military rites will be provided by the Lewisville Legion Drill Squad. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Gerald Gronewold Sr., affectionately known as Jerry, was born to George and Cora (Halvorson) Gronewold on Aug. 18, 1930, in Madelia. Jerry graduated from Madelia High School and attended college at University of MN-Southern School of Agriculture, Waseca where he majored in agriculture and was on the wrestling team.

Jerry enjoyed being active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was proud to attend the Sixth World Scout Jamboree which was held at Moisson, France. Boy Scouts from 38 countries attended.

Jerry enlisted in the Air Force. After basic training he was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Ohio where he achieved the rank of Sr. Airman. He highly valued his service.

While he was in the Air Force, he also met the love of his life, Dixie Oliver. They were married Oct. 22, 1954, in Ohio. The couple settled in Lewisville on the family farm, where they raised 10 children. Jerry farmed for many years. He also worked at Tony Downs and Golden Pantry after retiring from farming. Jerry was a member of the Lewisville American Legion, Zion Lutheran Church of Lewisville and recently Salem Lutheran Church of Madelia.

Jerry enjoyed reading and going on hunting and fishing trips with friends and family. In his later years he enjoyed the trips that included his grandchildren. He enjoyed coaching his sons in Little League and spoke fondly of watching the sun come up over the silos with dear friends. Above all, family was extremely important to Jerry.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons and their families, Tony of St. James, Ralph of Lewisville, Dan (Karen) of Madelia, Brian (Tracy) of St. James, Ken (Dianne) of Madelia, Gerald Jr. of Lewisville, John (special friend Betsy Koeter) of Florissant, Colo., Charles of Ormsby and Chad (Tracey) of St. James; 17 grandchildren, April (William Jr.) Rasmussen, Cody (Julie) Gronewold, Dustin Gronewold, Lucas (Mary) Gronewold, Kyle Gronewold, Ryan Hood, Jacob Hood, Stephanie Gronewold, McKenzie Gronewold, Katie (Brian) Tulibaski, Geoffrey (Brittany) Gronewold, Adam Gronewold, Amber Gronewold, Erin Gronewold, Hunter Gronewold, Matt Westman and Emily Gronewold; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and loved ones. Jerry is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Dixie; daughter, Laura Lynn; parents, George and Cora Gronewold; and siblings, Clement (Lorraine) Gronewold, Philip (Amelia) Gronewold and Kathryn (Richard) Gillespie.